‘A’ Certificate
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 solo flights
- Satisfactory check flight involving:
- An awareness of pre-spin symptoms and a demonstration of the correct action to prevent a spin developing.
- Fly an accurate circuit without reference to an altimeter.
- Correct handling of selected emergencies.
- An online theory exam on basic aeronautical knowledge, flight rules, and procedures.
Allows
- Flying solo under the observation of an instructor and local area soaring.
‘B’ Certificate
Requirements
- Minimum of 15 solo flights including one of not less than 30 minutes duration.
- Completion of post-solo training syllabus.
- An online exam on basic theory, flight rules and procedures, and basic airworthiness.
Allows
- Flying solo under the observation of an instructor and local area soaring.
- Mutual flying with another passenger of ‘B’ certificate rating.
‘C’ Certificate
Requirements
- Minimum of 20 solo or mutual flights, including two of not less than 60 minutes duration.
- Trained and checked in ability to carry out a safe outlanding.
- Demonstrate satisfactory spin entry and recovery.
- Received a passenger awareness briefing.
- An online exam on basic theory, flight rules and procedures, and basic soaring meteorology.
Allows
- Cross-country flights at the discretion of the Chief Flying Instructor.
- Carrage of ‘family/friend’ passengers (not for hire or reward).
Glider Pilot Certificate

Requirements
- Completion of units 1-44 in the GPC syllabus.
- Hold a private passenger carrying logbook endorsement.
- Hold an independent operator logbook endorsement.
- Endorsement of the GPC application by the Chief Flying Instructor.
Allows
- Operate independently without instructor supervision.
Badges
As well as being a competitive sport, with point-to-point competitions held throughout the year and continuous online competition, there are also various achievements to aim for as you progress and improve your flying skill. The most notable are the internationally recognised FAI badges which have been awarded in some form since 1931.

Silver Badge Requirements
- An endurance flight of at least 5 hours.
- A distance flight of at least 50km away from the home airfield.
- A gain of height of at least 1000m (3280’).
Gold Badge Requirements
- An endurance flight of 5 hours (completed during Silver).
- A free distance flight of at least 300km.
- A gain of height of at least 3000m (9843’).
Diamond Badge Requirements
- A free distance flight of at least 500km.
- A pre-declared flight of at least 300km.
- A gain of height of at least 5000m.